No Wool, No Vikings -- The fleece that launched 1,000 ships.

[procon]

6. I'm a spinner.

Working with raw wool sheared from my own sheep, I card the wool, then use a spinning wheel to make yarn for needlework projects. I clean the wool several times using only in borax and washing soda to remove dirt and soil, but leave the natural, waxy lanolins. Handled this way, the wool is very soft, light and strong. It also 'breathes', wicking sweat away from the body while still keeping you warm and dry. The natural oils in the lanolin prevent most stains from sticking to the wool, and the surface can usually be cleaned by brushing or wiping with a damp cloth.

Many years ago I knitted a stocking cap for my brother who complained about his bald head freezing as he worked on the flightline getting USAF jets ready for test flights. He loved the wool cap as it was the only thing that kept his head warm and dry out in the freezing rain.

Since then I've knitted wool scarves and caps for most of my family members, from warm 2-ply hunting masks that are impervious to rain and snow, to delicate, lacy and warm little baby caps. Wool really is a remarkable and very versatile fiber.